Winner of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in 1986 in 3hrs.47ms.59s and in 1987 in 3hrs.46ms.34.
Timothy Leku Lekunze is a name that echoes throughout the Cameroonian mountains. He is a legendary mountaineer who won the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope twice, in 1986 and 1987, setting records that have yet to be broken. Lekunze was born in the town of Buea, Cameroon, which is located at the foot of Mount Cameroon. From a young age, he was drawn to the mountain, which would eventually become his greatest challenge and his greatest triumph.
The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is an annual race that takes place on the slopes of Mount Cameroon. The race was first held in 1973, and since then, it has become one of the most challenging and prestigious mountain races in Africa. The race covers a distance of 38 kilometers, and it begins at the town of Buea, at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level. The race then winds its way up the slopes of Mount Cameroon, reaching a peak altitude of 4,095 meters, before descending back down to Buea.
In 1986, Lekunze entered the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope for the first time. He was a relative unknown, and many people did not expect him to do well. However, Lekunze surprised everyone by winning the race in a time of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 59 seconds, beating the previous record by nearly 10 minutes. Lekunze’s victory made him an instant celebrity, and he was hailed as a hero in Cameroon.
The following year, Lekunze returned to the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, determined to defend his title. Once again, he dominated the race, winning in a time of 3 hours, 46 minutes, and 34 seconds, breaking his own record from the previous year. Lekunze’s back-to-back victories cemented his place in history as one of the greatest mountaineers of all time.
Lekunze’s success in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope was not just a result of natural talent. He trained tirelessly for months before the race, running up and down the mountain to build endurance and strength. He also had a deep respect for the mountain and its challenges, and he approached each race with humility and a willingness to learn. His success in the race-inspired many young people in Cameroon to take up mountain running, and he remains a source of inspiration to this day.
After his victories in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, Lekunze continued to compete in other mountain races around the world. He also became an advocate for environmental conservation, speaking out about the need to protect Mount Cameroon and its unique ecosystem. Today, Lekunze is not retired from competitive running, but he remains a beloved figure in Cameroon and a symbol of the power of determination and hard work. He is of blessed memory